(Left to right: Amanda Cannon, Coordinator of Community and Employer Partnerships; Jay, Job Training Educator; Linda Thomas, Director of Client Services; and Nelson Mendez, recent graduate of GWTP.)
On the third Wednesday of each month, a spacious woodworking classroom at the Greater West Town Community Development Project (GWTP) transforms into a food distribution site for Nourishing Hope’s online market. Long cuts of lumber surround the space in neat rows, floor to ceiling. Forklifts, shipping equipment, desks and computers surround the bright space. In the middle of it all: fresh food for families in need, ready to be picked up.
Through its woodworking and shipping and receiving training programs, GWTP aims to build a community-based response that expands educational and economic opportunity for low income communities of color in Chicago.
Nelson Mendez, 39, is a recent graduate of GWTP’s shipping and receiving program, completing 380 hours of training.
Nelson Mendez helps a neighbor load an order into their vehicle.
On a recent food distribution day Mendez pushed a dolly of Nourishing Hope online market orders across the wide cement floor. He shared that while completing the GWTP program, he was most impacted by the warehouse and digital literacy training. Mendez strengthened his skills in time management, team leadership and critical thinking.
Now, he comes back once a month, volunteering to pass out food.
“I know they can use the hands. It’s a good thing to give back. It’s a good thing for me, and a good thing for them, win-win.”
Mendez cares for his mother and said that this resource has helped them get by, “Groceries are really expensive. I’ve benefited from this, my family appreciates it. It takes a little bit off of the bill,” he said. Nourishing Hope’s partnership with GWTP is an open food distribution site. Any family or person experiencing food insecurity can register, place an order through Nourishing Hope’s online market, and pick up their order at the GWTP warehouse in South Humboldt Park.
Each order — neatly packed by Nourishing Hope volunteers — has a label listing the requested items inside: fresh produce, shelf stable items, cooking oil, hygiene items, basic household goods like lightbulbs and smoke detectors, and more. The online market operates on a choice model for people experiencing food insecurity.
Amanda Cannon, GWTP’s Coordinator of Community and Employer Partnerships, shared her passion for supporting those facing food insecurity.
“We serve so many people—students, families, some who are homeless or struggling with food insecurity. To have a program like this right here, where we actually serve the clients, is a wonderful opportunity.”
Amanda Cannon, GWTP Coordinator of Community and Employer Partnerships
Cannon and other staff members regularly organize volunteer days with their students at local organizations, including Nourishing Hope. Check out this video of the staff and adult learners working hard to pack orders and produce at our Headquarters.
Compassion is not limited to the GWTP’s staff and volunteers. Neighbors picking up food were eager to share their gratitude, hopes, and even a recipe or two. Keep reading to meet (and hear!) from them:
A single mom of a two-year-old, Ariana Lopez, 24, was in awe as she picked up her first grocery order. “I feel so blessed. I didn’t think this was true,” she said.
Ariana Lopez beams as she loads groceries into her vehicle.
Lopez’ eyes teared up with relief as volunteers loaded her monthly order into her vehicle. Click to hear from her:
“I’m a single, working mom trying to care for my baby. I just want to catch a break.”
Lopez shared, “Everything’s expensive right now, but this process was really easy and you guys have been so sweet. I feel so blessed. Thank you guys so much.”
Danielle Martin, 46, is a mom of four (ages 2, 8, 24 and 28) and a grandma to five. As her grocery order was loaded into her car, she spoke proudly about her 24-year-old, who just graduated college — a first for their family.
Danielle Martin stands outside GWTP’s food distribution site.
Jahkira Pippins, 33, was glowing with praise for the program and was excited to make pasta for her kids. “It helps out families that really need it. I know me and my family do need it. It’s a lot of help, providing nourishment, filling up their stomachs, and not letting them go to sleep at night hungry.”
Jahkira Pippins arrives to pick up her online market order.
Click below to hear Jahkira share her favorite pasta recipes:
“My kids love all types of pasta. I use all the pastas to make homemade mac and beef with the spaghetti sauce, and I bake it sometimes. I do mostaccioli, I do – with the long rotini noodles that you give us – I do alfredo with ‘em,” she said.
Nelson Mendez helped Pippins pack her car and then turned to share a final reflection:
Nourishing Hope, you guys do a good thing, I’m glad that Greater West Town was able to be a part of the distribution part. Let’s keep it going.